Mukhtar Ali
Join the live classDescription
This course explores the rich interplay between healing, spirituality, and religious thought in the Islamic tradition by examining how conceptions of health, illness, and treatment are rooted in Islamic cosmology, theology, Sufism, and ethics. We will delve into the historical and philosophical foundations of Prophetic Medicine (al-ṭibb al-nabawī), Greco-Islamic humoral theory, and Sufi approaches to spiritual healing, investigating how Islamic conceptions of the sacred inform medical practice and the pursuit of human well-being.
Texts
Ali, “Reading the Soul”
Chishti, , The Book of Sufi Healing
Nasr, Islamic Science: An Illustrated Study
Nasr, An Introduction to Islamic Cosmological Doctrines
Pormann and Savage-Smith, Medieval Islamic Medicine
Prerequisite
Although this course engages advanced themes, it is designed to be accessible to learners at all levels. No prior knowledge of the Islamic intellectual tradition is required.
Learning Outcome
By the end of the course, students will have developed the tools and perspectives necessary to thoughtfully engage with the Islamic tradition in general, and the themes covered in this course in particular.
Readings
Assigned readings are to be completed prior to each class (see Schedule of Meetings and Readings).
Class Structure
Each class is ninety minutes long, with fifty minutes allotted to the lecture and the remaining forty minutes to Q&A.
Q&A Protocol
Students may pose questions to the instructor via Zoom’s “raise hand” feature or its chat box. The instructor will respond to questions during and/or after the lecture.
Follow-Up
Students are welcome to contact the instructor outside of class for clarification, further discussion, or academic guidance.
Schedule of Meetings & Readings
November 4
Topic: A Brief History of Islamic Medicine
Readings: Pormann and Savage-Smith, Medieval Islamic Medicine, 6–40
November 11
Topic: Sacred Foundations of Medicine
Readings: Nasr, Islamic Science, 153–192
November 18
Topic: Islamic Cosmology and Human Flourishing
Readings: Nasr, An Introduction to Islamic Cosmological Doctrines, 44–66
November 25
Topic: Spiritual Perspectives on Health
Readings: G.M. Chishti, The Book of Sufi Healing, 141-161
December 2
Topic: Diagnosis and the Spiritual Physician
Readings: Ali, “Reading the Soul”
December 9
Topic: Greco-Islamic Medicine: Theory and Practice
Readings: Pormann and Savage-Smith, Medieval Islamic Medicine, chapter 2
November 4, 2025
Topic: A Brief History of Islamic Medicine
Readings: Pormann and Savage-Smith, Medieval Islamic Medicine, 6–40
Video 1: Watch the class recording
November 11, 2025
Topic: Sacred Foundations of Medicine
Readings: Nasr, Islamic Science, 153–192
Video 2: Watch the class recording
November 18, 2025
Topic: Islamic Cosmology and Human Flourishing
Readings: Nasr, An Introduction to Islamic Cosmological Doctrines, 44–66
Video 3: Watch the class recording
November 25, 2025
Topic: Spiritual Perspectives on Health
Readings: G.M. Chishti, The Book of Sufi Healing, 141-161
Video 4: Watch the class recording
December 2, 2025
Topic: Diagnosis and the Spiritual Physician
Readings: Ali, “Reading the Soul”
Video 5: Watch the class recording
December 9, 2025
Topic: Greco-Islamic Medicine: Theory and Practice
Readings: Pormann and Savage-Smith, Medieval Islamic Medicine, chapter 2
Video 6: Watch the class recording
The Tokat Institute for Advanced Islamic Studies brings together a world-class faculty comprised of leading scholars from Oxford, Harvard, Princeton, UC Berkeley, Columbia, Yale, and the University of Toronto. Our professors are internationally recognized for their groundbreaking research, public engagement, and commitment to advancing the study of Islam at the highest intellectual level.
Enroll NowThe most valuable aspect of the course was;
“Discovering that Islam is so much deeper than I thought it was. I've been searching for the longest time for something within Islam that was intellectually satisfying… I really hope you'll do more of these courses!”
The thing i liked about this most was;
“Its profound exploration of the spiritual and intellectual foundations of reality in Islam—particularly how metaphysical principles connect the Divine, cosmos, and human soul.”
“The most valuable aspect of this course for me was gaining a deeper understanding of the foundations and significance of Muslim metaphysics.”
“I’m very grateful to attend his astonishing lectures this fall initiated by the Tokat Institute. Barakallah.”
“Clarified my understanding of what Islamic metaphysics is, which I hadn’t understood, and the destructive influence of empiricism and related modern ideas/mindsets. This is a very freeing thing!”
“Prof. Rustom, with his cheerful manner and fluent expression, made even difficult concepts understandable in simple language.”
“Very pleasurable to hear God spoken of in the context of an academic frame.”
“It was delightfully difficult and changed my way of looking at things.”
“Professor Rustom’s … joy and humour and clear love for this made me enjoy every moment. Truly grateful from the bottom of my heart.”
“Very happy with the course and I hope there will be more similar courses in the future.”
“The most valuable aspect of this course was the presence, wisdom, experiences, and discourses of beloved Mohammed Rustom. Following that is the amazing book he has written. What a gem. Great translations. Organized beautifully.”
“Absolutely amazing! please offer more of the same! Please!”
The most valuable aspect of the course for me was understanding how Islamic teachings integrate spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. It helped me see health not just as a medical condition, but as a holistic balance rooted in faith, ethics, and compassion.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for the positive influence you've had in my life and the lives of those around me. Your lectures continue to inspire me to explore alternative paths and to support others in their healing journeys.
The course provided a powerful argument in support of alternative healing through holistically making the learners identify with the entirety of life than just material and physical form.
